The 5 Best Cable Modems
Buying a cable modem can save a rental fee only where your provider actually charges one. Some plans include a modem, and a retail box is useless if it is not approved for your exact service tier. Before comparing gigabit numbers, confirm that the connection is cable rather than fiber or DSL, check the provider's current approved-device list, and decide whether you already own a router.
Hitron CODA is my simple modem-only starting point for an eligible cable plan. ARRIS S34 and Netgear CM2500 serve faster wired setups; ARRIS G34 adds Wi-Fi 6 for someone replacing both boxes, while SB8200 is a familiar DOCSIS 3.1 alternative for more conventional plans. I would not buy any of them until the ISP confirms the model and plan combination. For Spectrum in particular, check the supplied-modem policy before expecting a saving.
Our top 5 cable modems
Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
01 Hitron CODA DOCSIS 3.1Details ↓ | $149.99 | 4.1/5Amazon | Best simple cable-only modem |
02 ARRIS SURFboard S34Details ↓ | $235.99 | 4.3/5Amazon | Best with 2.5GbE port |
03 NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2500Details ↓ | $197.00 | 4.3/5Amazon | Best Netgear modem-only option |
04 ARRIS SURFboard G34Details ↓ | $194.59 | 3.7/5Amazon | Best modem-and-Wi-Fi combination |
05 ARRIS SURFboard SB8200Details ↓ | $169.00 | 4.4/5Amazon | Best established gigabit alternative |
01 — Hitron
Best simple cable-only modemHitron CODA DOCSIS 3.1
Hitron CODA is a straightforward modem-only purchase for someone with an approved cable plan and a router they like. Its listing explicitly rules out fiber and DSL, which is a useful reminder that “internet modem” is not one universal box. I would confirm the exact CODA model with the provider, then check the plan's supported speed and activation process before buying.
It leads for a buyer replacing only a cable modem at a moderate offer. ARRIS S34 moves ahead if a faster wired port is essential; G34 suits a household replacing the Wi-Fi router too.
View on Amazon ↗Cable subscribers who already have a separate router.
Your service is fiber, DSL or an ineligible cable plan.
What I like
+Focused DOCSIS 3.1 modem-only setup.
What to weigh
−Needs ISP approval and a separate router.
- Type
- DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem
- Class
- Gigabit
- WiFi
- None
- Voice
- None
- Service
- Coaxial cable internet only
02 — ARRIS
Best with 2.5GbE portARRIS SURFboard S34
ARRIS S34 has a listed 2.5GbE port alongside a 1GbE port, making it relevant when the provider approves a faster plan and the router can take the faster handoff. I would not pay for that port on a slower plan without a future upgrade in mind. Check the exact ISP list and whether the household needs voice service, which a normal data modem may not support.
Second place rewards a meaningful wired upgrade but also its higher price. It can rank first for an approved multi-gig plan; Hitron is easier to justify when the connection and router will not use the extra port.
View on Amazon ↗Approved cable plans and routers with faster wired networking.
Your plan is basic or includes required phone service.
What I like
+2.5GbE path for a suitable network.
What to weigh
−Higher offer and provider-specific activation.
03 — NETGEAR
Best Netgear modem-only optionNETGEAR Nighthawk CM2500
CM2500 is Netgear's DOCSIS 3.1 modem-only choice for a buyer who prefers that product line and has a compatible cable provider. Its “2 Gbps” headline is a plan-and-network claim to check, not a guarantee every home will see that speed. I would compare the exact model's approved tiers and wired port arrangement with ARRIS S34 before spending more than a standard cable modem costs.
Third place offers another faster-plan branch without pretending a speed label settles compatibility. It moves above Hitron only when its provider approval and network arrangement make the premium useful.
View on Amazon ↗Cable customers choosing a Netgear modem for a faster tier.
Your provider has not approved this exact model.
What I like
+DOCSIS 3.1 modem-only alternative.
What to weigh
−Speed value depends on ISP and router fit.
- Type
- DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem
- Ethernet
- 2 × 1 GbE
- MultiGig
- WAN link aggregation with compatible router
- WiFi
- None
- Voice
- None
04 — ARRIS
Best modem-and-Wi-Fi combinationARRIS SURFboard G34
ARRIS G34 combines a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with a Wi-Fi 6 router. That is appealing when you want one box and have a good central place for it, but it also fixes your Wi-Fi position to the cable outlet unless you add other equipment. I would verify ISP support for the exact G34 and compare its wireless coverage needs with a separate-router setup.
Fourth place is about the one-box audience. It can be first if you need to replace modem and router together; the three modem-only picks above preserve router choice and placement.
View on Amazon ↗Cable households wanting one modem-and-router unit.
You already have a router or need flexible Wi-Fi placement.
What I like
+DOCSIS 3.1 plus Wi-Fi 6 in one box.
What to weigh
−One-box placement and provider restrictions.
- Modem
- DOCSIS 3.1 cable
- WiFi
- Wi-Fi 6 AX3000
05 — ARRIS
Best established gigabit alternativeARRIS SURFboard SB8200
SB8200 is a long-running DOCSIS 3.1 modem for a household whose provider still approves this exact model on the intended tier. Its two 1GbE ports do not automatically mean a single device gets a 2Gbps connection; the provider and router arrangement decide what can be used. I would buy it for a confirmed conventional plan, not on nostalgia for a familiar name.
Fifth place reflects a narrower value at today's offer than Hitron, S34 or CM2500. It moves up when the ISP's approved list and existing network make this specific ARRIS model the clear fit.
View on Amazon ↗Cable subscribers with an approved SB8200 plan.
You need an uncomplicated single faster-than-1GbE handoff.
What I like
+Established DOCSIS 3.1 cable option.
What to weigh
−Port layout can be misunderstood.
- Type
- DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem
- Ethernet
- 2 × 1 GbE
- WiFi
- None
- Voice
- None
- StockAtCheck
- One new unit displayed
Price information
Amazon price and availability checked Oct 17, 2026, 10:17 PM Lisbon time. Prices and availability are subject to change; the information shown on Amazon.com at purchase applies.
Our process
How we picked.
We compare five relevant products for different needs, using documented specifications, clear use cases and practical trade-offs. Our goal is to make the differences clear and help you choose with confidence.
- 01Relevance
Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.
- 02Specifications
We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.
- 03Use case and fit
We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.
- 04Strengths and limitations
We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.
Good questions
FAQ — Cable Modems
01Will a DOCSIS cable modem work with fiber or DSL?+
No. These devices connect to compatible cable internet service. Fiber and DSL need different equipment and provider provisioning.
02Does buying a modem always lower the internet bill?+
No. Ask the provider whether it charges a modem rental fee and whether customer-owned equipment is allowed on your plan. Some services already include a modem.
The short answer
Start with the Hitron CODA DOCSIS 3.1.
I recommend it for cable subscribers who already have a separate router. Choose something else if your service is fiber, dsl or an ineligible cable plan.
View on Amazon ↗Keep looking
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